Nearly 400 organizations such as Harvard Business School, Nortel Networks, GlaxoSmithKline, IBM, Cisco Systems, and Duke University have consulted George Smart. As Managing Partner of Strategic Development, based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, George specializes in strategic consulting for team and executive development, providing leadership development simulations and upper-level coaching since 1981. With an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, George has trained at the Center for Creative Leadership, the NTL Institute, Albert Einstein School of Medicine, and the N. C. State University Training and Development program. He served as a charter National Advisor for Chapters for the American Society for Training and Development, the world's largest workplace training association. George teaches Organization Development and Business Coaching for UNC-Charlotte and speaks to over 50 groups a year on the perils and best practices of workplace change.
As a national presenter, George shows how to lead and sustain change with common sense and integrity. His authenticity, creativity, sense of humor, and inside knowledge, from Fortune 500 to family-run businesses, informs and energizes a wide array of audiences.
Experience
1981-present Strategic Development, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Founder and CEO. Executive consultant specializing in strategic planning, organization diagnosis, and consultancy skills training. Extensive national client experience in nearly 400 corporate, high-tech, government, and not-for-profit organizations. Adjunct Faculty to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for Organization Development and Business Coaching. Adjunct Faculty to The Johns Hopkins University Training and Education Department. Frequent speaker on workplace change and the field of consulting, presenting to over 50 groups a year.
1988-1991 Sirius, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, Partner. Developed TREENET, a nationwide electronic mail network for linking and educating urban forestry professionals.
1986 Carolina Freight Carriers, Cherryville, North Carolina, Internal Consultant. Evaluated Information Systems management structure for the President and Executive Vice President. Awarded plaque of achievement by IS division employees.
1983-1985 TDS Computers, Inc. Carrboro, North Carolina, Vice-President. Directed marketing to Fortune 500 companies for specialized order entry and database software.
Education
1996 Greater Triangle Community Foundation, Research Triangle, North Carolina, Graduate of Leadership Triangle, a regional training program for community leaders.
1996 Cape Cod Institute/Albert Einstein School of Medicine, Eastham, Massachusetts, "Leadership in Permanent White Water," by Dr. Peter Vaill.
1996 NTL Institute for Applied Behavioral Science, Washington, DC, Organization Development Certificate. Mentor: Raymond Payne, former head of OD for Proctor and Gamble.
1990 North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, College of Education and Psychology. Certificate in Training and Development.
1987 Duke University, Fuqua School of Business, Durham, North Carolina, MBA with concentration in Organizational Behavior and Services Marketing.
1983 University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Marketing and Computer Science.
Awards and Honors
American Society for Training and Development, Washington, DC, Appreciation Award for Service as a National Advisor for Chapters, 1993-1997
United States Space Academy, Huntsville, Alabama, Right Stuff Award, 1992
American Society for Training and Development, Research Triangle Park Chapter, Nathaniel Hill Research Award, 1988
Community Activities
- Leadership Triangle, Board of Directors, 2004-present
- National Speaker's Association/Carolinas, Webmaster, 2001-2005
- Habitat for Humanity, Partners Council, 1991-1999
- Unity Center of Peace, Volunteer Consultant/Facilitator, 1990-1999
- NCSU Training and Development Advisory Committee, 1989-1993
- North Carolina Wesleyan College Training Advisory Committee, 1998-2001
